Fire-resistant gun sock

ABSTRACT

Described is an apparatus for containing firearms or other sporting equipment. The apparatus may be a flexible sleeve comprised of fire-resistant material. The apparatus may have a closure at a first end of the sleeve and a closed second end of the sleeve. The flexible sleeve may also be comprised of additional layers of protective material, such as thermal insulation and water-wicking fabrics.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to copending U.S. provisional application entitled, “Fire-Resistant Gun Sock,” having Ser. No. 62/262,144, filed Dec. 2, 2015, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Proper maintenance and upkeep of a firearm or gun, such as a rifle, a shotgun, or a handgun is required in order to ensure proper function and longevity of the weapon. Firearms are often stored for periods of time between use. Firearms are also subject to transport from place to place. Proper firearm maintenance includes regular cleaning as well protection during storage and transport.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a drawing of an example of a fire-resistant gun sock according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cutaway drawing of a fire-resistant gun sock according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a drawing of an example of a fire-resistant gun sock with a handle according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are drawings of additional examples of fire-resistant gun socks according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to fire-resistant gun socks or sleeves that may facilitate protection of a firearm during storage and transport. It is possible that a firearm may be exposed to intense heat, for example, in the event of an accidental fire at the storage location, or a vehicular accident during transportation. The fire-resistant gun socks described herein may be made of fire-resistant materials that are at least resistant to burning or melting when exposed to fire or intense heat.

The fire-resistant gun socks described herein are designed to contain a firearm securely inside. In addition, the fire-resistant gun socks may be designed and constructed in a way that, when secured inside, firearms are protected from being scratched or blemished. Furthermore, the fire-resistant gun socks may protect firearms against exposure to heat or flame. To this end, fabrics used in the fire-resistant gun sock may be manufactured in such a way that they are at least resistant to burning, igniting, or melting when exposed to heat or flame. Such materials may be referred to, for example, as fire retardant, fireproof, or fire-resistant. Additionally, the fire-resistant gun socks may include thermal shields or insulation in conjunction with the fireproof fabric for additional heat resistance. Further, the first-resistant gun socks may include water wicking fabrics or membranes to protect firearms store therein from moisture or water intrusion.

The fire-resistant gun socks may be fitted to be roughly the size of a single firearm intended for containment within. As a result, a fire-resistant gun sock may be a relatively small enclosure in comparison to much larger protective options, such as closets, cases, or safes that may store multiple firearms of various sizes. These larger protective options may also come at greater cost than smaller fire-resistant gun socks, making fire-resistant gun socks preferable for individuals who desire lower cost firearm protection. The smaller size may be desirable for consumers who do not have room for such closets, cases, or safes where they store firearms, such as in a home or a cabin. Additionally, closets, cases or safes may not be easily transportable, while a fire-resistant gun sock containing a firearm is generally transportable in any way the firearm is otherwise transportable. Additionally, while gun socks are illustrated herein, alternative embodiments may include socks for other equipment, such as bow socks that contain bows or sporting equipment socks that contain other sporting equipment.

With reference to FIG. 1, shown is an example of a fire-resistant gun sock 100 according to an embodiment, among many embodiments, of the present disclosure. The fire-resistant gun sock 100 includes one opening end to facilitate inserting and removing a firearm. The opening end is shown in FIG. 1 with a closure 103, such that the opening end may be closed and fastened to secure the firearm within. The closure 103 may be a drawstring closure that facilitates the opening and closing of the opening end. Alternative embodiments may use alternative closures of various constructions. As non-limiting examples, closures may be constructed of strings, zippers, magnets, or snaps. The end opposite to the opening end of the fire-resistant gun sock 100 may be permanently sealed. For example, the securely closed end of the fire-resistant gun sock may be permanently sewn or stitched closed.

The fire-resistant gun sock 100 is designed to secure a firearm inside. Accordingly, the length of the fire-resistant gun sock 100 from the opening end to the securely closed end may vary, for example, to accommodate firearms of various lengths or sizes. Similarly, the width (e.g., the size of the opening end) of the fire-resistant gun sock 100 may vary according to different embodiments, for example, to accommodate firearms of various sizes. A long fire-resistant gun sock such as the fire-resistant gun sock 100 may be designed for a rifle or a shotgun. While the fire-resistant gun sock 100 shown in FIG. 1 has a uniform width for the majority of its length, the width may vary or taper along its length based on the shape of the firearm that the fire-resistant gun sock 100 is intended to contain.

The fire-resistant gun sock 100 is made of fire-resistant fabric 106. The fire-resistant fabric 106 may be soft to protect the firearm from scratches, scuffs, or blemishes while the firearm is inserted, removed or contained within the fire-resistant gun sock 100. The fire-resistant fabric 106 may be a fabric constructed of inherently flame-resistant fibers, such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers, oxidized polyacrylonitrile (OPAN) fibers, aramid fibers, para-aramid fibers, or a blend of such flame-resistant fibers. Alternatively or additionally, the fire-resistant fabric 106 may be a fabric that has been chemically treated in order to resist fire or heat, or a blend of flame resistant fibers and chemically treated fabrics.

With reference to FIG. 2, shown is a cutaway view of another example of a fire-resistant gun sock 100, referred to herein as the fire-resistant gun sock 120, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. An opening at one end of the fire-resistant gun sock 120 is shown having a zipper closure 123. In this embodiment, the zipper closure 123 extends along the opening of the fire-resistant gun sock 120. In other embodiments the zipper closure 123 may extend further along some or all of the length of the fire-resistant gun sock 120 in order to facilitate inserting or removing the firearm. The zipper closure 123 is shown with a lockable zipper handle 126 and a grommet hole 129. The lockable zipper handle 126 has a hole in the handle so that a lock may fit through the lockable zipper handle 126 and the grommet hole 129 to secure the zipper closure 123 in its closed position. In other embodiments, the zipper closure 123 may comprise two opposing zippers such that the zipper closure is closed when the opposing zippers are adjoined. Such an embodiment may be lockable with loops that overlap when the two opposing zippers are adjoined. Additional embodiments may be lockable in other ways. In addition, alternative embodiments may comprise other closures, such as with strings, magnets, or snaps. For example, a drawstring closure may have loops form in the drawstring so that a lock may fit through the loops when the drawstring has drawn the closure to a closed position.

The fire-resistant gun sock 120 illustrated in FIG. 2 may include three materials, layered for additional protection. The first layer may be a fire-resistant fabric 106, as described above for FIG. 1. The second layer may be thermal insulation 132 that may provide additional protection against heat. The thermal insulation 132 may comprise a material or fabric that includes, for example, fiberglass, polymer, acrylic, carbon felt, graphite felt, PAN, OPAN, or a blend or combination of such materials. The thermal insulation 132 may vary in thickness based on material and desired insulation.

The third layer as shown for the fire-resistant gun sock 120 is water-resistant fabric 135. The water-resistant fabric 135 may be constructed of, for example, silicon, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, or rubber infused fabrics. In some embodiments, the fire-resistant sock 120 can also include a water-wicking fabric.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure may include various numbers of layers of fabrics or materials. In addition, the layers may be arranged so that the interior of the fire-resistant gun sock 120 prevents scuffs, scrapes, or other blemishes being imparted to the firearm, while the overall construction of the fire-resistant gun sock 120 protects the firearm from heat or flame.

With reference to FIG. 3, shown is another fire-resistant gun sock 100, referred to herein as the fire-resistant gun sock 140, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The fire-resistant gun sock 140 may include a drawstring closure 143 and a handle 146. The handle 146 is shown permanently attached to the fire-resistant gun sock 140. Alternatively, the handle 146 may be detachable. The handle 146 is shown located approximately at the center of the length of the fire-resistant gun sock 140. The handle 146 may alternatively be located anywhere along the length of the fire-resistant gun sock 140. In one embodiment, the handle 146 may be positioned such that a firearm is substantially balanced when the handle 146 is held with the firearm in the fire-resistant gun sock 140. Among the various embodiments, the handle 146 may be configured for carrying in a hand or over a shoulder. Further embodiments may include multiple handles 146 allowing for both carrying in the hand and over the shoulder as can be appreciated. The handle may also be a flexible material similar to the material of the gun sock 140 or may be a different material.

With reference to FIG. 4A, shown is another example of a fire-resistant gun sock 100, referred to herein as the fire-resistant gun sock 150, according to various embodiment of the present disclosure. The fire-resistant gun sock 150 is designed for a pistol or handgun. Accordingly, the fire-resistant gun sock 150 has an opening end, similar to the opening end described above for FIG. 1, but has a shorter length than, for example, a longer gun sock designed for a shotgun or a rifle such as the fire-resistant gun sock 100 of FIG. 1. Various lengths, widths, and tapers of the fire-resistant gun sock 150 may be provided to accommodate for handguns of various sizes.

With reference to FIG. 4B, shown is another example of a fire-resistant gun sock 100, referred to herein as the fire-resistant gun sock 160 according to various embodiment of the present disclosure. The fire-resistant gun sock 160 is also designed for a pistol or handgun, and is similar to the fire-resistant gun sock 150 of FIG. 4A. However, the length and taper of the fire-resistant gun sock 160 in FIG. 4B is different from the fire-resistant gun sock 150 in FIG. 4A. In addition, the opening end of the fire-resistant gun sock 160 is shown having a lockable zipper closure 163 with a lockable zipper handle and grommet, similar to the fire-resistant gun sock 120 shown in FIG. 2.

The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims. 

Therefore, the following is claimed:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a flexible sleeve comprising a layer of fire-resistant material that is configured to securely contain sporting equipment; a closure at a first end of the sleeve; and a closed second end of the sleeve.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible sleeve further comprises a layer of thermal insulation.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible sleeve further comprises a layer of water-wicking fabric.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the closure at the first end of the flexible sleeve extends along a length of the sleeve.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the closure comprises at least one of a string, a zipper, a magnet, or a snap.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the closure is lockable.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the lockable closure comprises a zipper, a lockable zipper handle, and a grommet, the lockable zipper handle having a hole for inserting a lock through the lockable zipper handle and the grommet when the zipper is closed.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible sleeve tapers toward one of the first end of the sleeve or the second end of the sleeve.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sporting equipment comprises a rifle, a shotgun, or a handgun.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sporting equipment comprises a bow.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a handle attached to a middle portion of the flexible sleeve.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the handle is permanently affixed to the flexible sleeve.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the handle is detachable from the flexible sleeve.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible sleeve further comprises a layer of water-resistant fabric.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible sleeve further comprises a layer of water-resistant fabric and a layer of water-wicking fabric.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible sleeve is fitted to correspond to a size of an individual piece of the sporting equipment intended for containment within.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible sleeve comprises flame resistant fibers that are not chemically treated.
 18. A firearm storage apparatus comprising: a flexible sleeve that is configured to securely contain a firearm, wherein the flexible sleeve comprises a plurality of layers of flexible fabric, the plurality of layers comprising: a layer of fire-resistant fabric; a layer of thermal insulation; and a layer of water-wicking fabric; a closure at a first end of the sleeve; and a closed second end of the sleeve.
 19. The firearm storage apparatus of claim 18, wherein the plurality of layers further comprises a layer of water-resistant fabric.
 20. The firearm storage apparatus of claim 18, wherein the thermal insulation comprises a carbon felt fabric. 